Social Worker - Glaucoma Service & Glaucoma Research Center

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. About the Organization Wills Eye Hospital, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a global leader in the treatment of eye disease. Established in 1832 as the America's first eye hospital, we are one of the world's premier eye care facilities and the #2 best hospital in the nation for ophthalmology as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Our clinical expertise, state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and advanced surgical capabilities make Wills Eye a worldwide referral center where more than 250,000 patients are treated annually. From common eye problems to rare sight-threatening diseases, Wills Eye provides general eye care and comprehensive ophthalmic specialty services that attract patients throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area, across the country and around the world.

Today, we continue to shape the science and medicine of ophthalmology, thanks to our talented, skilled physicians and staff who are dedicated to improving and preserving sight.

Description
PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The social worker is responsible for developing, organizing, and implementing formal clinical social support services and programs for patients seen in the Wills Eye Glaucoma Service. The social worker will also participate in CDC-funded glaucoma community research programs and provide comprehensive case management support for identified patients in both the clinical and research programs. Additionally, this position will provide patient assessment, treatment planning, and discharge planning services to Hospital patients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, organize, and implement a formal clinical social work program for patients seen in the Glaucoma Service and the Glaucoma Research Center.

Update a directory of available resources for the visually impaired in the NJ, PA, and DE area.

Identify patients using the electronic medical record as well as physician and staff referrals to contact and set up appointments for social services.

Meet with patients to assess and identify appropriate support services needed.

Provide counseling and referral for resources for engagement in behavioral health services.

Work with patients to facilitate improved appointment adherence, access to health insurance information, benefits, referrals, or program enrollment.

Develop educational, supportive, and motivational materials to improve patients' understanding of glaucoma and ability to manage the disease.

Work closely with glaucoma physicians, project managers, and staff to identify patients that are in need of social support services.

Assists in identifying high-risk patients and provides case management services.

Support patients with surgical/post-operative support, including providing emotional support, resource information, encouragement and guidance.

Facilitate communications between patients and the office staff to ensure appointments have been fulfilled including contacting patients to confirm and remind them of scheduled appointments or surgery.

Provide phychosocial assessments of patients to identify emotional, social, and environmental strengths and problems related to their diagnosis, illness, treatment, and/or life situation.

Document, track, and analyze patients' appointment attendance for a CDC-funded research study.

Complete a social worker assessment to evaluate, track, and reduce barriers/attitudes to eye care for subjects randomized to the social worker intervention in the CDC- funded research study.

Refer patients to Wills Eye charity care or other relevant medical assistance programs.

Mail appointment reminder letters as confirmation and reminders of scheduled appointments.

Document social work assessments in REDCAP and electronic medical records (EMR).

Assess and address psychosocial issues and provide emotional support to patients on an as-needed basis.

Work with the research director and medical students to write up research study results in a manuscript.

Demonstrates commitment to our core values of excellence and innovation, integrity and respect, teamwork and communication.

Knows policies and procedures applicable to assigned duties. Uses sound judgment and is aware of potential hazards before taking action.

Promptly reports errors/events or situations of actual or potential harm. Understands emergency procedures and can demonstrate appropriate response.

Maintains 45 credit hours (CEUs) for licensure renewal and certification.

Strives to uphold the rights of all people without regard to race, religion, marital status, creed, sex, age, handicap, national origin or financial status.

Formulates and maintains effective working relationships with peers and management and functions as an effective team member.

Receives constructive feedback in a positive self-developmental manner and is receptive and approachable.

Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Position Requirements
Education:

• Must hold a Master of Social Work degree.

Experience:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and function as a self-starter.
• Previous experience working with older adults.
• Experience bridging patient needs with available resources.
• Experience working in underserved and low SES communities.
• At least 10 years experience in a health care facility is preferred.
• Interest in creating a world-class vision-related social work program.
• Interest in research and ability to enter data and track study visits.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks/projects at the same time.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team as well as to function independently.
• Effective problem-solving abilities, initiative, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in preparing written materials such as training guides and manuals, project reports, and journal articles.

Certification/Licensure:

• Current state licensure or certification as a clinical social worker.

Category Professional Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Position Social Worker - Glaucoma Service & Glaucoma Research Center Number of Openings 1 Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Location Wills Eye Hospital
This position is currently accepting applications.